Mexican Eatery To Open

The fourth location of El Charro Mexican Restaurant will be in the old Hardee's building in Bridgewater. (Photo by Candace Sipos)

After almost a year of paperwork, renovations and touchups, the fourth El Charro location is almost ready to open its doors.

The local Mexican food chain purchased the former Hardee’s building at the intersection of North Main Street and Dinkel Avenue in Bridgewater in January, and owners say the latest addition to the family-owned establishments should open this month.

“A lot of people are ready for it,” said Juan Gallardo, who owns the eatery with his brother, Roy Gallardo.

Juan Gallardo said a local resident suggested that the pair look into the Bridgewater location, after Hardee’s announced that its town store was closing.

Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Hardee’s largest franchisee, owned and operated the restaurant for 20 years.

The location was prime for the Gallardo family.

“We hear a lot of customers coming from Bridgewater right here to South Main Street,” Juan Gallardo said during a phone interview from the second El Charro location, where he currently works as a manager.

The chain originally opened in the central Valley almost 23 years ago with a single location on East Market Street. The South Main Street location then opened, followed by the store on Port Republic Road, which opened late last year.

Partners of the Gallardo brothers have also opened restaurants in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge.

The newest location is nearly ready, with the final touches being completed. Tables were delivered to the store last Friday, Juan Gallardo said.